Here's the funny thing, though. Even on possessions when Akron held on to the ball, the men from the MAC still couldn't score. And if VCU can keep up that level of D on turnover-less, or "effective," possessions against round-of-32 opponent Michigan, it will mark a new development for Smart's team.

I've already had occasion to point out this season that the Rams don't merely force turnovers, they need those turnovers from opponents. Akron notwithstanding, the history of this defense has been that when opponents hang on to the ball, they have a very high level of success. In A-10 play, VCU allowed 1.38 points per turnover-less -- or "effective" -- possession, tied with St. Bonaventure for the worst such figure in the league.

To put it simply: If you don't turn the ball over against VCU, you score a lot. It's a risk/reward defense that does reward on occasion.

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